Previously I’ve been to the Knitting and Stitching Show in London. This year it seemed sensible to go to the Birmingham one which isn’t far from home. Previously I’ve been overawed with the range of amazing and wonderful yarn and fabric shops. That was before I went to the NEC version and was seriously underwhelmed. It was tiny! Although I bought pretty much what I intended to buy, I was really disappointed not to have my resolve severely tested by fabrics and books galore. A lot of the suppliers I was hoping to see weren’t there, and none of the big yarn suppliers or fabric shops. That said, I did have a productive time:

item: Yarn. not lots, just specific things for specific projects on the ever-growing Ravelry queue. Hmmm.

item: embroidery (or quilting) thread. 2.

item: Patterns. 2.
Discontinued Vogue coat pattern that I REALLY wanted and was gutted to discover had been discontinued. Hurrah!

I’m going to make a new winter coat using black wool and the right-hand version of this pattern, but with longer and fuller sleeves. I need a black coat to wear with my array of colourful scarves and hats, and one which I can cycle in. Once I’ve made this I can retire some of my selection of very tired coats I’ve had for years and years.

And this one just because they were 4 for £10 and Amy wanted 2 as well. I like the green blouse on the left. Summery. Summer. Sigh.

Item: book. 1.
The New Crewel: Exquisite Designs in Contemporary Embroidery

Very good.

And that, amazingly, was it. NO fabric. None.
There were some fantastic exhibitions though, including the student showcase and the Schiffli project. There were also some nice quilt shows, most of which I saw at the Festival of Quilts a few weeks ago, and was happy to see again.

Incidentally, would someone please create a Ravelry-type website for sewing. PLEASE! Yeah, I know I should do it, but I’m sure I’m not the only one with the idea and I have just a few other things to do. So go on, please!